FORMER Republic of Ireland and Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy was today named as the new Wolves manager, ending nearly seven weeks of speculation.

MICK McCarthy has revealed he is "delighted" after being given the manager's job at Wolves.

The former Republic of Ireland and Sunderland boss was today named as the new Wolves manager.

He succeeds Glenn Hoddle in the Molineux hotseat after the former England boss left the post complaining of insufficient transfer funds on July 1.

McCarthy's brief will be to work within the confines of Wolves' new financial structure, moulding a new team and bringing on the club's younger players - and it's a task he can't wait to get his teeth into.

"I'm delighted to be joining Wolves," said McCarthy. "There's a big job to do at Molineux and I'm relishing the challenge.

"I can't wait to get down to work. With just two weeks to go before the start of the season there's lots to be done. It's going to be a busy but exciting time."

The Yorkshireman began his managerial career with Millwall in 1992. He became the Republic of Ireland boss in 1996 - taking them to the 2002 World Cup finals and elevating them from 54th to 13th in FIFA's world rankings.

But McCarthy is also remembered for his much-publicised clash with Roy Keane that saw the skipper walk out on the 2002 World Cup squad.

He resigned that post in November of the same year and four months later took over as manager at Sunderland, who were already heading for relegation from the Premiership.

Wolves' chief executive Jez Moxey added: "We are thrilled to have agreed a deal for Mick to take over as manager of Wolves. He has all the qualities we were looking for in a manager and has an excellent record of football achievement.

"I thought the job he did at Sunderland in taking them to third in the Championship in 2003/04 following relegation and then winning promotion as champions in 2004/05 was one of the most impressive managerial jobs I have seen in this division."